THE ghouls will come out at Farnham Castle this half-term for the first Hallowe’en family fun day in the medieval landmark’s 900-year history.

An array of spooky activities and frightfully fun competitions will keep little monsters entertained from 1pm to 4pm on Monday, October 23.

There will be ghost stories in the Lantern Hall, pumpkin trails around the grounds, gingerbread and cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, a fancy dress competition and face-painting.

Farnham Castle is keen to use local suppliers for the Hallowe’en event and looks forward to displaying autumnal flower arrangements by Lavender Hill and hosting Farnham Sound & Light to run a Thriller-style disco in the Great Hall.

Entry costs £5 per person (25 and under are free), and tickets can be booked in advance by calling 01252 721194. Limited spaces will be available on the day.

It is the first time the castle has opened its gates for this type of event, and kicks off an ambitious programme of public events at the historic landmark.

General manager Robert Wright said the castle is “delighted to be able to offer these sorts of opportunities for our local residents to enjoy the castle’s stunning buildings and experience first-hand the fantastic facilities that we have”.

With 80 per cent of tickets for the Hallowe’en event already sold, marketing manager Cressida Lee added she is “really pleased with the level of interest this event has generated” and that it is “great inspiration for creating a busy calendar of similar, bespoke events for the local community going forwards”.